“I ended up in a good place;” Ryan Brasier speaks out after being traded to the Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs landed reliever Ryan Brasier in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the 37 year old was designated for assignment following Kirby Yates signing with the reigning World Series champions.  Braiser has been excellent out of the bullpen over the past two seasons and now is a prime high-leverage option for manager Craig Counsell.

Recently, Brasier did an interview with Lance Brozdowski of Marquee Sports Network and discussed what has been a whirlwind of a past few weeks, his reaction to the Dodgers designating him for assignment plus trading him, as well as what it takes for groups to come together and be special.

“I ended up in a good place;” Ryan Brasier is excited to be with the Chicago Cubs 

Brasier told Brozdowski his thoughts on the Dodgers parting ways with him and trading him to the Cubs, “I don’t know if surprised is the right word but yeah, it was a little gut punch.  Luckily, I ended up in a good place. It was kind of nerve-wracking there for a little bit, not really having any idea of where I was going or really having any say of where I was going.”

“I love going to Wrigley” 

During the interview, Brasier admitted that he had only been to Wrigley Field twice throughout his career.  Throughout his eight big league seasons, the vast majority of his career was spent with the Boston Red Sox, and this was before the balanced schedule came about.  Now that he’s found his footing over the past two years, evidenced by a 1.89 ERA, he has the chance to have a significant role in a team that could be special.

“I love going to Wrigley.  I’ve actually only been there twice in my [career] but every time I go, I look forward to going. And with the additions that they made this year – a couple of guys that can really turn a team around. Glad I get to be part of this group.”

-Brasier told Marquee Sports Network

World Series experience 

Brasier has been a part of two World Series teams throughout his career.  In 2018 he was with the Red Sox and 2024 the Dodgers.  When Brozdowski asked him what he has picked up on for teams to come together and accomplish the ultimate goal, he said, “Really just being good teammates and having each other’s backs.  Both the teams that I was fortunate enough to be on to win a World Series, all the guys were friends and hung out together and went to team dinners and really just were around each other all the time.”

In less than one week, Braiser will get the opportunity to formally meet his new teammates and coaches in spring training.  All signs point to him being a great addition to the clubhouse and bullpen.